Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Other Convenience Stores Stop Sale of Perrier Sparkling Water

Starbucks Korea and major convenience store chains in South Korea have stopped selling Perrier sparkling water products. The companies were forced to remove the said brand due to safety concerns.

According to Korea Joongang Daily, leading hotel chains and other retailers have also suspended the sale of Perrier after discovering a prohibited treatment process that was said to have been used in producing the popular sparkling water last month. Aside from 7-Eleven, GS25 and CU convenience stores in Korea have already removed the item from their shelves.

Banned Production Method

Most companies decided to halt the sale after it was discovered that Perrier used a treatment method in the production, which is not allowed. It was said that various media outlets overseas reported that Nestle Waters, which manufactures Perrier products, treated the water with ultraviolet light and active carbon filters.

This purification process violates French regulations as this method is only allowed for use in tap water. As a result, several sellers are dropping Perrier products from their stores.

Starbucks Korea Suspend Sales of Perrier

Starbucks Korea stopped selling the brand on Feb. 1. Pulse News reported that the coffee chain confirmed that Perrier sparkling water is no longer available in its stores, at least for now.

The company said its main reason for taking this step was the hygiene and safety of its customers. An official of Starbucks Korea said on Monday that, at this point, they have not yet decided if they will resume the sale of Perrier or not.

"Currently, we are undergoing revalidation of our stocked products, and sales will remain suspended until safety is ensured 100 percent," the coffee chain's official explained. "The decision was made proactively after discussions with our contractor."

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